The Seine River is the heartbeat of Paris, the city evolved around it.
When I close my eyes and imagine a perfect day in Paris, a walk along the Seine comes to mind. The fact that it is super budget friendly doesn’t hurt either. There is so much to see and do!
I’m going to highlight these things starting at the Eiffel Tower and ending at Notre Dame. The distance is just under 5kms/3 miles. You could walk it in an hour or so, but I’d give yourself at least half a day to take it all in.
Eiffel Tower
I would arrive here early to avoid the huge crowds… You could also switch the script, and end here if you wanted to see the Eiffel Tower lit up and a twinkle in the night.
The Eiffel tower was built in 1889 as a temporary exhibit for the World’s Fair in Paris, by engineer and architect Gustave Eiffel. It’s hard to believe, but many Parisians found it an eyesore and threatened to have it taken down. Thankfully it was saved by science, declaring it a laboratory of measurements and experiments alike.
* If you’re taking the metro, you’ll want to arrive at Trocadero station, accessible by lines 9 and 6.
* Now if your wish is to go to the top of the tower, you will most definitely want to book this in advance and be mindful that you’ll need to arrive on time.
River Boats
Book a cruise on one of the many seine river boats. Sit back and enjoy the unobstructed views of the many sites along the Seine. This is especially a good one if your feet are sore and you’re looking for something blissfully relaxing to do. They also have lunch and dinner cruises to choose from.
Pont Alexandre III
As you walk along the river you will reach the Pont Alexandre III bridge. Its neo-baroque design and extravagant presence make it one that can’t be missed. The gilded statues and ornate detail are sure to impress.
L'Hotel National de Invalides
From there you can see the enormous L’Hotel National des Invalides- better known as Les Invalides. Commissioned in 1670 by Louis XIV to provide hospital care, a place for worship and accommodation for army men and veterans. It occupied over 4,000 residents. Today, it is largely a military museum. It is well known for retaining the Tomb of Napoleon I.
Eat & Drink
Choose from one of the many Bars and Restaurants along the Seine to stop and have a drink. Many of these quintessential drinking holes are situated on a boat. Enjoy the view and rest up, to continue your adventure!
Musée d'Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is a work of art in itself. Originally a train station from 1900-1939. Luckily it avoided demolition and became an Art Museum in 1986. It houses a vast collection of Impressionist paintings, including the works of Alfred Sisely, Claude Monet, August Renoir, Edgar Degas and Paul Gauguin to mention a few. This museum is more popular with Parisians than the Louvre. Head to the top floor and walk out on the patio for a breathtaking view.
Les Bouquinistes
Browse along Les Bouquinistes. This “open-air book market“ is an integral part of the cityscape. There are over 200 of these green stalls, each limited to a width of 2 meters, running from Ponte Marie to Quai du Louvre on the right bank, and Quai de la Tournelle, to Quai Voltaire on the left. There is a bounty of new & used books (yes, in French and English), historic pictures, old Ad posters, stamps and postcards. This is a tradition that dates back to the 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Louvre Museum
The Louvre. Walking along the Seine will give you a nice view of the world’s largest museum. Put some time aside on another day to properly explore it.
Le Pont des Arts
Do as the Parisians do and have a picnic along the Seine. Le Pont des Arts bridge is a popular choice with its photogenic surroundings. You’ll often be accompanied by musicians throughout the day. Find a place to sit, and watch the world go by. You can grab a bottle of wine, top-quality meat & cheese and a baguette for two, for under 15 euros! We did just that and watched a beautiful sunset!
Notre Dame
Notre Dame (meaning our Lady in Paris). Located on the island Ile de la Cité (City Island) in the middle of the Seine River. Notre Dame is a beautiful example of French Gothic Architecture. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Presently closed due to a fire in 2019, reconstruction should allow it to re-open in 2024. Take a walk around and look up at the dozens of gargoyles and chimeras (what’s that you may ask? They are guardian demons). This place is worth a look!
I couldn’t help but think of the movie Before Sunset, with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy during this romantic stroll along the Seine….it felt surreal to be walking in the same places they did, on that special day the movie is based on!
Thanks for stopping by!
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